sterile discussion on sub-species/species?

[Walter Boeger]

John and all,

John said...
> Its not all so sterile. While the subject itself might seem to get
nowhere,
> all through the various postings are comments or insights on various
aspects of biology,
> and I find I learn interesting things from these contributions. So its not
a total waste of my time at least.

Well, I didn't say it was sterile... I quoted Miller on one of his comments
on the definition of life.   I, too, agree with you (and others) that all
comments and insights are important.  My point is that although Miller's
comments may be somewhat too hard, he makes a point.  Some people that I
know (and read) will accept a concept or definition as the absolute truth
when we know that it is, in fact, a methodological requirement (an
assumption).  However, "better" concepts (i.e. assumptions) which "fit" the
natural world) produces better the hypoteses.  That's were discussions
become important.

Just to complement...   NO DISCUSSION is a "waste" of time as long as we
understand the limits of the subject and do not loose the "big picture".  I
wouldn't be subscribing to TAXACOM if I thought otherwise!

Cheers,

Walt

---------------------------------------------------------------
Walter A. Boeger, Ph.D.
Departamento de Zoologia, UFPR
Caixa Postal 19073
Curitiba, PR 81531-990
Brasil
fone:  55-41-3663144 ramal 206
fax: 55-41-2662042
ICQ: 36546488
http://zoo.bio.ufpr.br/mono/monos.html
wboeger at bio.ufpr.br
-----------------------------------------------------------